Charging contact system

{
  "publication_number": "US9152194B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Charging contact system",
  "abstract": "Novel tools and techniques are described for waterproof charging contact system. In one aspect, the charging contact system may comprise docking station comprising a first set of compliant charging contacts for a tablet computer system and a second set of compliant charging contacts for a handset computer. Each compliant charging contact comprises a charging pin pressed into an elastomer diaphragm inserted within a body of the docking station. The tablet computer system comprises a first set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the first set of compliant charging contacts. The handset comprises a second set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the second set of compliant charging contacts.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A docking station, comprising: a first set of compliant charging contacts for a tablet computer system; and a second set of compliant charging contacts for a handset computer system; wherein each compliant charging contact comprises a charging pin pressed into a deformable layer inserted within a body of the docking station.",
    "2. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the docking station is substantially planar.",
    "3. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the deformable layer comprises an elastomer diaphragm.",
    "4. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the deformable layer compresses when the charging pins are depressed.",
    "5. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the deformable layer is molded with the body of the docking station.",
    "6. The docking station according to claim 1, further comprising: an indented contact receptacle; wherein the contact receptacle is contoured to mate snugly against portion of a housing of an electrical device.",
    "7. The docking station according to claim 6, wherein the indented contact receptacle is deformable.",
    "8. The docking station according to claim 6, wherein the deformable layer is more flexible than the contact receptacle.",
    "9. The docking station according to claim 6, wherein the deformable layer forms a seal about the contact receptacle and the charging pin.",
    "10. The docking station according to claim 6, wherein the deformable layer is molded with the contact receptacle.",
    "11. The docking station according to claim 6, wherein the deformable layer is surrounded by the contact receptacle.",
    "12. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the top of the docking station is water resistant.",
    "13. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the charging pin is integral to and protrudes outwardly from the deformable layer.",
    "14. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the charging pin is affixed to an elastic spring.",
    "15. The docking station according to claim 14, wherein the elastic spring provides electrical conductivity.",
    "16. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the deformable layer is in a shape of a disc.",
    "17. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the charging pin is in a shape of a dumbbell.",
    "18. A communication system, comprising: a docking station comprising a first set of compliant charging contacts for a tablet computer system and a second set of compliant charging contacts for a handset computer system, each compliant charging contact comprising a charging pin pressed into an elastomer diaphragm inserted within a body of the docking station; the tablet computer system, comprising a first set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the first set of compliant charging contacts, the first set of static charging contacts being flush mounted with a housing of the tablet computer system and forming a water resistant seal with the housing; and the handset, comprising a second set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the second set of compliant charging contacts, the second set of static charging contacts being assembled under compression by a rubber foot of the handset.",
    "19. The communication system according to claim 18, further comprising: a first indented contact receptacle; and a second indented contact receptacle; wherein the first contact receptacle is contoured to mate snugly against portion of the housing of the tablet computer system; wherein the second contact receptacle is contoured to mate snugly against the rubber foot of the handset.",
    "20. A method for use with a communication system comprising a docking station comprising a first set of compliant charging contacts for a tablet computer system and a second set of compliant charging contacts for a handset computer system, each compliant charging contact comprising a charging pin pressed into an elastomer diaphragm inserted within a body of the docking station, the tablet computer system, comprising a first set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the first set of compliant charging contacts, the first set of static charging contacts being flush mounted with a housing of the tablet computer system and forming a water resistant seal with the housing, the handset comprising a second set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the second set of compliant charging contacts, the second set of static charging contacts being assembled under compression by a rubber foot of the handset, the method comprising: placing the tablet system on the docking station, so that the first set of static charging contacts is electrically coupled with the first set of compliant charging contacts, wherein, when the tablet system is placed in the docking station, the elastomer diaphragm deforms when the charging pin is depressed, to create a seal; and placing the handset on the docking station, so that the second set of static charging contacts is electrically coupled with the second set of compliant charging contacts, wherein, when the handset is placed in the docking station, the elastomer diaphragm deforms when the charging pin is depressed, to create a seal."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.\n\nThe present disclosure relates, in general, to charging contacts, and more particularly, to waterproof or water-resistant charging contacts for a tablet and/or a handset.\n\nTraditionally, docking bases for portable devices, such as portable handsets for telephones, have comprised rigid carriages containing charging contacts protruding upward through openings in the top of the carriages. As a result, spills and dirt can easily enter the docking bases and soon disable it. The docking bases are also difficult to clean. Electronic tablets and handsets are used in a wide range of environments (such as a kitchen, etc.). The docking bases are exposed to spills, dirt, and/or other debris. A need remains for a docking base that is suitably protected against spills and debris for use in a spill- and debris-prone environment and that can be easily cleaned. In addition, it is desirable to have a docking station suitable for charging both a tablet computer system and a handset.\n\nVarious embodiments provide tools and techniques to provide a waterproof charging contact system.",
  "cpc": [
    "F16B 47/00",
    "F16B 47/003",
    "F16B 47/006",
    "G06F 1/1632",
    "G06F 1/26",
    "H01M 2/10",
    "H01M 50/247",
    "H01R 12/00",
    "H01R 13/6205",
    "H02J 7/0044",
    "H02J 7/731",
    "H05K 1/00",
    "H05K 5/00",
    "H05K 7/00",
    "Y02E 60/10",
    "Y10T 29/49826"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G06F 1/16",
    "G06F 1/20",
    "G06F 1/26",
    "H01M 50/247",
    "H01R 12/00",
    "H01R 4/58",
    "H02J 7/00",
    "H05K 1/00",
    "H05K 5/00",
    "H05K 7/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "QWEST COMM INT INC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "YURCHENCO JAMES",
    "VOLLMER ADAM",
    "ADAMS MATTHEW ROBERT",
    "SWITKY ANDREW"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2012-12-20",
  "publication_date": "2015-10-06",
  "grant_date": "2015-10-06",
  "priority_date": "2010-05-04",
  "application_number": "US-201213722891-A",
  "family_id": "48654978",
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}